Festival of the Spoken Word Brain Bee

Festival

of the Spoken Word

Festival of the Spoken Word winners, Isobel Forsey (Year 11), Thomas Kamo (Year 13), Lucas Te Rangi (Year 12), Lily Champion-Smith (Year 12), Katie Foot (Year 9). Inset: Theodore Meek (Year 10)

The slam poetry and spoken word talents of St Andrew’s College students were on full display during the final of the Festival of the Spoken Word competition in The Green Library and Innovation Centre, says Rector, Christine Leighton. “The calibre of the speakers was outstanding, with the judges commenting on the courage and authenticity of each speaker’s voice. The personal perspectives they shared made this a particularly memorable evening.”

Lily Champion-Smith’s (Year 12) performance, full of strength and pride, saw her win both the Slam Poetry section, and the Mark Ellerm Memorial Cup for Overall Best Speaker.

The annual New Zealand Brain Bee Challenge provides a rich learning experience for Year 11 ACEE students, says Teacher in Charge of Academic Extension and Enrichment, Ellen Hampson. “The Challenge is a wonderful opportunity for our students to learn about the functions of the brain, neuroscience research, careers in neuroscience, and to dispel misconceptions about neurological and mental illnesses, all while immersed in the stimulating environment of the University of Otago.”

Year 11 students, Meg Simpson, Isobel Forsey, Chantelle Xiong, Tamaroa Connelly and William Couper, were selected to represent St Andrew’s in the South Island finals. Although they didn’t place, they had a great experience, Other individual winners were Katie Foot (Year 9), Theodore Meek (Year 10), Isobel Forsey (Year 11) and Lucas Te Rangi (Year 12). Thomas Kamo (Year 13) won the Impromptu section.

The competition was split in two, with a Junior Festival of the Spoken Word held earlier to find the Year 9 and Year 10 winners, who went on to compete in the Senior final against the Years 11–13 finalists.

“English teacher, Ellie Simatos, did a wonderful job of organising the competition, supported by other teachers in the English Department who helped the students to prepare,” says Christine.

Lily Champion-Smith (Year 12) The full list of finalists for each competition were: Year 9: Katie Foot, Hannah Papali’I, Taimalelagi Malietoa, Matthew Bluck; Year 10: Theodore Meek, Kaelan Graham, Daniel Officer; Slam Poetry: Katherine Simcock (Year 10), Lily Champion-Smith (Year 12); Year 11: Isobel Forsey, Jack Flanagan (Saskia Wells was sick and unable to attend); Year 12: Penelope Taulafo, Lucas Te Rangi, Portia Bennie; Impromptu: Thomas Kamo (Year 13), Marco Leighs (Year 12).

Lucas Te Rangi (Year 12) with his parents

Brain Bee

says Ellen. “The competition began with the dissection of a sheep’s brain, in which our students did very well. They also visited the Anatomy Museum and were treated to first-hand neuroscience research material from up-and-coming researchers and in some cases, very senior researchers.”

During the event, the students had a good look around the University of Otago campus, led by senior PhD students who provided expert guidance, says Ellen. “They had a taste of Otago life and participated in some things first year students do. The whole process was incredibly enriching.”

Brain Bee is one of many events that Year 9–11 ACEE students typically take part in. The regular programme also includes participation in two Philosophy Conferences per year featuring Oxford University staff as presenters, Future Problem Solving coached by Preparatory School teacher Susannah Debenham, the Model United Nationals Conference, Model European Union Conference, World Scholars’ Cup, da Vinci Decathlon (Ethics) and the Ethics Olympiad.

William Couper, Tamaroa Connelly, Chantelle Xiong and Isobel Forsey (all Year 11) on the University of Otago campus during Brain Bee.